[Relations within genus Cryptococcus (Sanfelice) Vuillemin]

Abstract

A collection of 49 Cryptococcus strains was studied by means of 62 tests, which emphasized morphological, physiological and biochemical properties. The experimental results were subjected to computer analysis using matching coefficient and taxanomic distance. Cluster analysis were carried out using average linkage method. Two clusters and one individual strain were formed, the first cluster represented the genus Cryptococcus, the second cluster and the individual strain did not belong to this genus. The cluster of the genus Cryptococcus was divided into five phenons: Laurentii Neoformans, Albidus, Terreus and Aerius. The belonging of strains to these phenons is discussed comparing the results with those of GC% content in DNA, of the production of coenzyme Q and many other. The quick identification phenons was suggested.